Sneak Preview of Afghan-Iraqi Memorial

Public unveiling of the statue is at 2:00PM Saturday

Photos: IraqWarHeroes.org Don't let the memory of them drift away

(SALEM) - The Afghan-Iraqi War Memorial on Summer Street will be dedicated today, appropriately, on Veteran’s Day.

The Memorial is the result of the efforts of Clay and MJ Kesterson whose son Erik Kesterson, an Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot, was shot down and killed while fighting in Iraq in 2003, and dozens of others who understand the deep meaning behind this tribute.

Jane Honbeck, created the artwork, then Bill McMichael went to work along with a wealth of other local contractors and volunteers on the hard labor which has been 7 days a week for many months.

Groundbreaking for the Memorial was June 14th, 2005, and crews began erecting the Memorial on September 11th, 2006. Gold Star families had a private ceremony Friday, and the public will see the Memorial for the first time today.

The name of each Oregonian lost is listed

The design consists of an oval pool with constantly moving water. It is lined with a stainless-steel map of the world and an 8-foot bronze figure of a soldier down on one knee over the United States, with an arm outstretched.

Governor Ted Kulongoski will be the keynote speaker at the dedication ceremony Saturday at 2:00. Jim Willis, Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Oregon’s Adjutant General, Major General Fred Rees, will also speak. The public is invited to join in the commemoration of this incredible Memorial.

The Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial is located on the grounds of the Oregon Veteran’s Building on Summer Street in Salem.

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial

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Bonnie King has been with Salem-News.com since August '04, when she became Publisher. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER). Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers. View articles written by Bonnie King